Public Health and Equity Principles for Transportation

Research increasingly indicates that current transportation investments can have a profound impact on public health for the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. These impacts may include increased risk of obesity, cancer, mental health disorders, asthma and heart disease. The public health community is strongly supportive of transportation investments that support the growth and establishment of health and equity in all communities; this is critical to the nation’s economic revival and health.

The public health community envisions a transportation system that is carefully designed to support and improve community health. We must ensure that the billions of public dollars spent on transportation projects enhance the health, equity and well-being of communities.

APHA and its partners developed these ten principles, so that transportation policies may be reviewed with these principles in mind to ensure that health and equity are well-represented. We seek transportation policies that prioritize health and equity by (in no specific ranking):

Encouraging transportation and land-use planning policies, such as a complete streets policy, that support healthy communities.

Establishing performance measures to promote safe, affordable and equitable public transit and alternative modes of transportation such as walking and cycling.

Using health impact assessments to inform and guide transportation policy, projects and planning.

Fostering the participation of local communities and underserved populations in all stages of the transportation planning and development process.